DATE: 31 March – April 4, 2008

Political Unity and Sustainable Development In Africa: The Intellectual Legacy of Kwame Nkrumah

The year 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). This organization came into existence in response to the challenges of nation building experienced by emerging African independence leaders. The leaders of the new independent countries had to deal with the many contradictions of colonial structures – structures that had been carefully crafted by the European colonialists for the benefit of the European states. Part of the response by the independence leaders to these challenges was the forging of a pan Africanist political entity. In so doing, the emerging African leaders expected to facilitate the political, economic and social integration of Africa. Integration was supposed to: (1) quicken the pace of liberation of the remaining parts of Africa that were still under colonial rule; (2) strengthen the leverage of Africa in negotiating its relations with other nations of the globe, as well as with international organizations and financial institutions; (3) reconstruct a positive image of Africa and Africans; and (4) hasten the economic, social and political development of Africa.However, the OAU, even under its new banner as the African Union, is still yet to achieve its objectives of political unity, economic interdependence, and constructive social advancement for Africa.It is on record that Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was one of the most active advocates of the political and economic integration of the continent. Both in and out of office as the president of Ghana, Nkrumah continued to advocate for this integration. Fifty years on, it is most fitting for Africana scholars from around the world to critically examine the viability of: (i) Nkrumah’s political programme; and (ii) the African Union’s broader social and economic agenda.

Topics for discussion will include but are not limited to the following themes and sub-themes:

Nkrumah’s contribution to nationalism and liberation

Pan Africanism, nationalism & liberation

Strategies for National Development

Sustainable Development in Africa

OAU, AU and the quest for a United States of Africa

Culture, ethnicity, justice & development in Africa

NEPAD

Globalization and its impacts on Africa

The future of African and Africana philosophy

Economic, business & financial issues in development

Western and African conceptions of political economy

Multiculturalism and the alleged universality of values

Colonialism and post-colonialism in Africa

Justice: comparative perspectives

Liberalism and ethnic values: is there a clash?

Ethnicity and Politics in Africa

Sustainable development and the environment

HIV/AIDS in African and Africana Communities

Religion and development in Africa

Development ethics

Western and African(a) philosophy

Political Philosophy in Africa

We welcome papers which do not directly address the theme or sub-themes of the conference, but which are relevant to African Philosophy and African Studies. The organizers therefore welcome the submission of abstracts on topics related to the general concerns which have come to define ISAPS.Conference Registration fees $60.00 US Dollars per person

This rate is per person and it includes: transportation from/to Accra Airport to the University of Cape Coast, and all conference events. IT DOES NOT INCLUDE ACCOMMODATION & SUSTAINANCE

Membership Dues· $100 (Membership)· $60 (Discounted Membership)

· $50 (Student Membership)

· $25 (Discounted Student Membership)

Recommended Hotels:

Hacienda Hotel – $47 per night

Cape Coast Hotel – $47 per night

Sanaa Lodge Hotel – Single $60 per night; Double $75.00 per night

Elmina Beach Resort – $75 per night

The Conference registrations fee of $60.00 US dollars does not include the cost of accommodation and sustenance. The Local Organizing Committee can made and confirm reservations for attendees, but accommodation costs are payable directly to hotels on arrival.

22nd Annual Conference

Conference Deadlines

Submission of Abstract: 30 April, 2016

Membership Dues

Membership dues for 2016 are may be paid at the conference in August.
For those not able to attend the conference,
Online Payments will be accepted from next year, 2017 (maybe).
To see current fees click here